Identification, Characterization, and Novel Combination of Fungicides Against <i>Fusarium pseudograminearum</i> Causing Wheat Crown Rot in Anhui Province, China

Fusarium crown rot (FCR) caused by Fusarium species adversely affects wheat production worldwide. The present study investigated the distribution and diversity of Fusarium spp. collected from wheat samples in 12 regions of Anhui Province, China, in 2020, 2022, and 2024. A total of nine Fusarium species were identified from 1,099 isolates based on morphological and molecular identification. The dominant pathogen of FCR gradually changed from F. graminearum to F. pseudograminearum with time and from regions of Anhui Province. Pathogenicity assays indicated that all Fusarium species might induce FCR in wheat seedlings; however, F. culmorum was the most pathogenic, followed by F. pseudograminearum and F. graminearum. The knowledge regarding fungicide combinations used to control FCR is largely limited. Hence, the control effects of pyraclostrobin and prothioconazole against F. pseudograminearum were evaluated, both individually and in combination. The results showed that F. pseudograminearum is sensitive to prothioconazole and pyraclostrobin, with average EC 50 values of 0.611 and 1.345 μg/ml, respectively. Additionally, the co-formulation (1:1) was more effective than prothioconazole alone. The results of the seed treatment experiment also revealed that the combination of prothioconazole and pyraclostrobin had greater control effects (80.34%) and yields (7,892.35 kg/ha) in the field than did the combination of prothioconazole or pyraclostrobin alone. Thus, the present study is the first to monitor the distribution pattern of Fusarium spp. in Anhui Province and report a novel combination of the triazole prothioconazole and pyraclostrobin for FCR control in wheat to ensure sustainable agriculture.